The prevalence of sarcopenia in fallers and those at risk of falls in a secondary care falls unit as measured by bioimpedance analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Sarcopenia is characterised by loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with adverse outcomes: physical disability, poor quality of life and death. Low muscle mass and strength are risk factors for falls, although there are few data available on the prevalence of sarcopenia in fallers. This study aimed to determine prevalence of sarcopenia in older people referred to a falls clinic. Methods: Consecutive patients referred to a secondary care falls unit were recruited. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia definition (low muscle mass and function) and cutoff points. Bio-impedance measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Gait speed and grip strength were functional measures. Results: Fifty-eight patients were recruited. Mean (SD) grip strength for women and men respectively were 17.9 (4.9) and 29.9(8.7) kg, mean (SD) gait speeds were 0.61(0.18) and 0.72 (0.4) m/s, mean (SD) appendicular skeletal muscle index in women and men were 6.98(1.0) and 7.85 (1.0) kg/m 2 (p=0.018). Prevalence of sarcopenia was 9.8% (95% CI=1.6%-18%). Conclusions: Sarcopenia, as measured by bio-impedance is not uncommon in older people accessing a secondary care falls clinic. Bio-impedance was simple to perform, although further validation against gold standard methods is needed. As nutritional and exercise interventions for sarcopenia are available, simple methods for diagnosing sarcopenia in fallers should be considered.

Internet of Things for Elderly and Fragile People

“…Elderly people may develop sarcopenia [11], a well-known disease related to the reduction of the number and size of muscle fibers, which leads to walking difficulties, reduced stability and high risk of falling [12]. Similarly, individuals with motor disabilities present a high risk of fall, especially when they have to move from the wheelchair to the bed/sanitary facilities and vice-versa.…”

Lack of significant seasonal association between serum 25(OH)D concentration, muscle mass and strength in postmenopausal women from the D-FINES longitudinal study

“…Age-related losses in muscle mass, strength and function, known assarcopenia ( 17 ) , are associated with poor quality of life ( 18 ) and are prevalent in fallers and those at risk of falling ( 19 ) ; individuals with combined low muscle mass and function are predicted to be 12⋅3 times more likely to lose their independence at 90 years of age ( 20 ) .…”